In the history of mankind, many cultures have come and gone but Hinduism has withstood many challenges posed by the time and has spread all over the world. The secret of this success of Hindu(Sanatan Dharma) religion lies in the fact in its practical approach towards human life, belief in eternal truths, and modifications made without changing the basic beliefs

Tuesday, 30 July 2013

CELESTIAL WEAPONS (ASTRAS)

In Hinduism, an astra was a supernatural weapon, presided over by a
specific deity. To summon or use an astra required knowledge of a
specific incantation/invocation, when armed. The deity invoked would
then endow the weapon, making it impossible to counter through regular
means. Specific conditions existed involving the usage of astras, the
violation of which could be fatal. Because of the power involved, the
knowledge involving an astra was passed from a teacher to a pupil by
word of mouth alone, and only following the establishment of the
student's character. Certain astras had to be handed down from the deity
involved directly, knowledge of the incantation being insufficient.

Astras
come into importance mainly in the Ramayana and Mahabharata, where they
are used in the great battles described in each epic. They are depicted
as used by archers such as Rama, Lakshman, Meghnad, Karna, Bheeshma
etc. The astras were generally invoked into arrows, although they could
potentially be used with anything—Ashwatthama invoked an astra using a
blade of grass as his weapon.

1. Narayanaastra

Would create showers of arrows and discs. The astra's power would increase with the resistance offered to it. This weapon had to be obtained from Vishnu directly, and could be used only once. If the user were to attempt invoking it a second time, it would rebound on him, and possibly, his troops.

2.Vaishnavaastra

Would destroy target completely, irrespective of target's nature. Infallible. This weapon had to
be obtained from Vishnu directly.

3.Maheshwarastra

Contains the power of Shiva's third eye. Shoots a really fast fiery beam which can turn even
celestial beings to complete ashes. Infallible.

4.Pashupatastra

Would destroy target completely, irrespective of target's nature. Infallible. When released, the
weapon summons several monsters and a huge spirit which personifies the weapon. Sometimes it can cause a catastrophic explosion similar to a hydrogen bomb. Each time the weapon is summoned, its head is never the same This weapon had to be obtained from Shiva directly.

5.Indraastra

Would bring about a 'shower' of arrows from the sky.

6. Aagneyaastra

The weapon discharged would emit flames inextinguishable through normal means.

7.Varunaastra

he weapon discharged would release torrential volumes of water. This weapon is commonly mentioned as used to counter the Agneyastra.

8.Devastra

equivalent(some believe to be real and even in this modern age, Attainable).of modern military
missiles.

9.Asurastra

Mythical equivalent( that some believe to be real and even in this modern age, Attainable).of modern biological missiles.

10.Manavastra ( Manu (Hinduism), father )

of the human race Could overcome supernatural protections and carry the target hundreds of miles away. Can inspire humane traits in an evil being.

11.Varunapasha

A powerful noose which not even other gods can escape from.

12.Bhaumastra

The weapon could create tunnels deep into the earth and summon jewels.

13.Parvataastra

Would cause a Parvata/mountain to fall on the target from the skies.

14.Bhargavaastra

Parashurama gave this astra to Karna. It caused great damage to Pandavas army. This astra possesses Parashurama's skill in archery. It could bring a shower of much more powerful weapons than the Indrastra and could smash any military formation and cut through all enemy defenses.

15.Nagaastra

The weapon would have an inerring aim and take on the form of a snake, proving deadly upon impact.

16.Nagapaasha

Upon impact, this weapon would bind the target in coils of living
venomous snakes.(in the Ramayana, it was used against Lord Rama and
Lakshmana by Indrajit)

17.Vayvayaastra

Bring about a gale capable of lifting armies off the ground.

18.Suryastra Create a dazzling light that would dispel any darkness about and dry up water bodies.

19.Vajra

Target would be struck with bolts of lightning (vajra referring to Indra's thunderbolt).

20.Mohini

Dispel any form of maya or sorcery in the vicinity.

21.Twashtar

When
used against a group of opponents (such as an army), would cause them
to mistake each other for enemies and fight each other.